Private Walking Tour With Local Guide Fez

Visit: Chouara Tannery, Hay Lablida Chouara, Fes 30030 Morocco

The Chaouwara tanneries are one of the city’s most iconic sights (and smells), offering a unique window into the pungent, natural process of producing world-class leather using methods that have changed little since medieval times. In 2015–16 they underwent a year-long restoration to spruce up the crumbling environs surrounding the pits, including the viewing terraces, but fear not – the tanneries' atmosphere remains intact. Try to get here in the morning when the pits are awash with coloured dye.

Duration: 20 minutes

Visit: Bou Inania Medersa, Talaa Sghira, Fes 30110 Morocco

A short walk down Talaa Kebira from Bab Bou Jeloud, the Medersa Bou Inania is the finest of Fez’s theological colleges. It was built by the Merenid sultan Bou Inan between 1351 and 1357, and has been impressively restored with elaborate zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) and carved plaster, beautiful cedar mashrabiyyas (lattice screens) and massive brass entrance doors. Whereas most medersas (schools for study of the Quran) just have a simple prayer hall, the Bou Inania is unusual in that it hosts a complete mosque.

Duration: 15 minutes

Visit: Royal Palace of Fez, Avenue Omar Ibnou Khattab, Fes 30004 Morocco

The entrance to Fez's Palais Royale is a stunning example of modern restoration, but the 80 hectares of palace grounds are not open to the public. Visitors must be satisfied with viewing its imposing brass doors, surrounded by fine zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) and carved cedar wood. Note the lemon trees to one side – tour guides are prone to plucking the fruit to demonstrate the juice’s astringent cleaning properties on the palace gates. The entrance faces onto Place des Alaouites.

Duration: 10 minutes

Visit: Fez Mellah, Fes Morocco

In the 14th century, Fez El Jdid became a refuge for Jews, thus the creation of a mellah (Jewish quarter). The records suggest the move was orchestrated to offer the Jews greater protection, and they repaid the favour of the sultan with their loyalty during conflict. Around 250,000 Jews once lived here, but now only a handful remain in Fez – all in the Ville Nouvelle. Their old houses remain, with their open balconies looking onto the streets, a marked contrast to Muslim styles.

Duration: 1 hour